Message from the Provost

Over the last few weeks, I have had a front-row seat to all the hard work you have put in amid a significant disruption to normal life. In my role as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, I oversee all the academic functions of the college. I’m writing today to thank you – thanks for your patience, your support of your instructors, and your commitment to make the best of a bad situation and finish the semester strong. Some of you are first-time participants in remote instruction – and I’m sure those of you who started the semester sitting in a classroom would rather still be there. But you have adapted and continue to meet the challenges of our shared new reality.

I’m hearing a lot from your instructors about how well you have handled this transition. I asked our faculty what they would say to you if they were writing this email. Turns out, they had a lot to say – but the main messages are these:

• This isn’t going to be anyone’s best semester; it’s okay. • We’re in this together, and we are here to help! • Keep going! You are stronger than you know. • We are proud of you; don’t give up!

Remember that even though we aren’t in the same physical space right now, OTC is still here to support you. What do you need from us? Click here to access all our student support services.

We’re all going to remember 2020 as “the year of COVID-19,” but I hope you also remember it as a year when you met significant challenges head-on and didn’t lose sight of your dreams.